Would you buy a natural gas hybrid?

Camry hybrid - Fill 'er up with natural gas?

According to proponents, natural gas is cheaper and cleaner than gasoline, and it's not derived from foreign oil. Of course, if demand for natural gas increased drastically, would it still be so cheap?

Still, CNG vehicles aren't selling well. Go hybrid cars help?

Finish: Would you buy a natural gas hybrid?

Bailout bill should be good for solar sector

Road to solar future looking good?

According to MarketWatch, the outlook for solar power looks good thanks to the bailout bill which also included an 8 year extension of the solar tax credit. More interesting, the tax credit, for the first time, is also open to utilities, which should entice bigger players into the solar field.

Bozena Jankowska, manager of Allianz RCM Global EcoTrends Fund says this, "Changes the paradigm for the alternative energy space. Once utilities go large-scale into solar power, it will create economies of scale and more opportunities for the industry."

Chevy Volt fans should buy GM stock

Don't call the Chevy Volt a concept

Spend any time around GM's top Volt engineers and one thing is clear: this vehicle will happen. Sure there are still questions about production capabilities and costs. Technology, however, will not prevent the Chevy Volt from becoming a reality.

Finish: Chevy Volt fans should buy GM stock

Toyota Prius battery costs

Still leaving all others in the dust

There are now hundreds of thousands of Toyota Prius hybrids on the roads of America, and a number of them have had their battery warranties expire, particularly first generation Prii. So, if the battery goes out, how much will it cost to replace? $2,299 according to AutoWeek, a reduction of almost $700 compared to the costs of such batteries just a couple of months ago.

Second generation Prius hybrids should still be under warranty, but if the battery does need to be replaced, it would cost $2,588.

Natural gas not flex fuel?

Biomass is not far cars

Ethanol. Many have called it the great boondoggle. To put it into cars, many claim, requires more energy than is gained, and a new life cycle study seems to confirm that belief.

Instead of using biomass to create bioethanol for cars, the study suggests the biomass should be used to replace natural gas for home heating, or for conversion into electricity. The displaced natural gas, the study suggests, could then be used for the transportation sector.

Mitsubishi expands plug-in lineup

EVs and PHEVs

Mitsubishi has now added plans to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles in addition to its previously stated plans to develop electric vehicles such as the iMiev according to GCC.

"The development of a plug-in hybrid comes on the heels of the auto maker’s plan to launch a mass-produced electric vehicle [the iMiEV] next year in Japan... Masuko noted that the plug-in hybrid will be better suited for longer distances than the electric car."

Volvo and Toyota don't agree on diesel hybrids

Can diesel work in America?

Just because the king of hybrid cars, Toyota, isn't interested in bringing diesel hybrids to the US, doesn't mean all other automakers agree.

According to Mototrend, Volvo will start bringing diesel hybrids to the US in 2012. With a focus on larger SUVs, crossovers, and sedans, Volvo will utilize a 5-cylinder turbodiesel motor to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to power the rear wheels. This full hybrid configuration will enable Volvo's diesel hybrid vehicles to function purely on electric power at low speeds.

Likewise, Volvo will also bring diesel plug-in hybrid vehicles to the states shortly thereafter.

New Jersey ready to be the windy state - turbines that is

Finally, New Jersey can clean up its chemical image

By 2020 a new plan being advocated by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine could result in almost 1 million New Jersey homes being powered by offshore wind power.

"We want to create this generation's race to the moon, but this time, a race to the sea, to harness this potential wind source off of our coasts, and bring economic development, environmental benefits, and new, green jobs to the Garden State," Corzine said Monday.

Automakers suck. What else can you say?

Nissan's electric concept at the Paris Auto Show

As the Fall days have grown darker, so has my mood. Massive bailouts, loans and tax incentives for big, failing US businesses.

Where's my massive bailout? Where's my cheap loan?

I know. I know. The bailout isn't a bailout of Wall Street. It's a bailout of main street. The bailout ensures than one day I can again finance a car that makes no sense in the modern world.

Finish: Do automakers suck?

Can Semprius change the face of solar power?

Unroll your way to solar power

Imagine solar cells that are super thin, flexible, very efficient and transparent enough to be used as a tint for windows of every kind, such as cars and buildings.

And, instead of expensive installation, you'd simply roll it on your intended surface with a little adhesive.

That's the hope of a new solar technology developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and licensed to Semprius Inc.

No diesel hybrids from Toyota

Not unless diesel fuel costs go down

Toyota is not interested in developing diesel hybrid vehicles due to the high cost of diesel fuel according to Green Car Congress. Even though diesel is the dominate fuel in Europe and many competitors are preparing diesel hybrids for the European market, Toyota believes gasoline hybrids still are more cost effective.

RoofRay gets you excited about home solar power

Does solar power make sense for you?

That's the question that RoofRay tries to help potential solar power consumers help answer. Find your house via satellite, draw out some potential solar arrays on your roof, add in some utility data, and find out how solar power can work for you.

Now I'm not only developing my potential solar plans, I've been envisioning a new solar-covered patio, for instance. How much power could such a covering provide? Well, now I have an idea.

If you've thought about solar power, but don't really know how to start, and you aren't really interested in yet dealing with a salesperson, RoofRay is an addictive tool to get you started.

Europe's Opel Volt coming in 2011

The Opel FLEXtreme Concept

The E Flex Drive that powers the Chevy Volt will make its way into Europe, as an Opel, in 2011 according to multiple reports. While the final design of the concept has not been hammered out, it will not look like the Volt. Nonetheless, it could share some Volt design cues that were driven by the aerodynamics.

In the past, GM has displayed the Opel FLEXtreme as one design idea for the Opel E Flex vehicle. However, this design might be as plausible in the wind tunnels as was the original Chevy Volt concept.

In the interim, GM is going to be working with European leaders to develop plug-in stations for the modern urbanites in Europe without garage access.

Will the Big 3 ever challenge the Toyota Prius?

The only Prius challenger for years?

Duh? The Chevy Volt, right?

Not any time soon. Maybe not ever.

A significant percent of Americans simply can't plug-in, won't want to plug-in, or won't want to front the extra money up front for the benefits of electric vehicles.

Ultimately, there will be plenty of consumers for both the Toyota Prius and the Chevy Volt, but they are two very different technologies for two different consumer segments.

Yet, Toyota is also developing plug-in hybrids to challenge the Volt. Are GM's lithium-powered BAS hybrids really a challenge to the Prius? Are 20,000 Ford Focus hybrids a challenge to the Prius? And what about Chrysler?

In recent months, both Hyundai and Honda have committed to selling 100,000's of thousands of hybrid cars each, per year, within the next several years. Shouldn't the Big 3 be doing the same?

Ford's small Ka a no brainer

Why wouldn't you try it in the US?

With Ford sales tanking along with the US economy, it seems trying to sell the compact Ford Ka would be a no-brainer. Over-dependent on trucks and SUVs and unable to make more than 25,000 hybrid vehicles per year, what else does Ford have to try to shake up its product mix?

Nonetheless, Ford has been against bringing the Ka to America, although now the automaker is reconsidering this decision. I guess it hasn't been such a no-brainer to Ford, which kind of makes you wonder about Ford's brain.

Lexus set for Prius-based hybrid

Lexus version coming soon

A new Lexus hybrid, based off the Toyota Prius, is a done deal, at least for Europe, according to AutoWeek.

Plans to produce a larger Lexus hybrid, however, have been squashed because of CO2 emissions.

Audi PHEV questions series superiority

Parallel plug-in hybrids aren't dead yet

Audi is debuting an interesting plug-in hybrid today at the Paris Auto Show.

The Audi A1 Sportback plug-in hybrid can achieve up to 62.4 miles in pure electric mode according to reports. However, the Audi A1 can also draw power from a conventional engine or, in boost mode, the Audi A1 can use both the conventional engine and the electric motor.

Finish: Audi's Paris plug-in hybrid concept demonstrates plug-in variability

Is a Smart EV smart enough?

90 miles of range for more than $20,000+

The Smart EV electric car is an interesting little vehicle. Yet, even if it cost less than $10,000, I still wouldn't buy it. I have to have room for at least 3 people, period. There is no way around that fact, and I can't afford multiple cars for different types of driving. Most Americans can't.

Then there is the range. 90 miles sounds great, but how realistic is 90 miles? Most battery experts would tell you that heavy AC use, hills, and aggressive driving could drop that range down by a 1/3, maybe even cut it in half.

Then there is the price. Pricing has not been given on such a vehicle, but I'm certain it will be more than $20,000.

Now, obviously, there are some for whom the Smart car will work, but it's far from a mainstream solution. It's a micro-niche product at best. Can such vehicles really help push economies of scale to help bring down costs of electric cars?

The Smart EV is a good step, but I'd easily accept half the range for an extra two seats. The Smart EV just isn't smart enough for me.

New Honda Insight still not better than the Prius?

Not as efficient as the Prius in the city?

The new Honda Insight hybrid will be the first real challenge to the Toyota Prius. But is it really a Prius fighter?

Finish: Honda Insight in Paris - Cheaper not better than the Prius?

Proof of a city Prius?

A great Prius derivative for America?

A city Toyota Prius for America? Why not? Why let Honda sell the cheapest hybrid cars in America?

Finish: Auris hybrid - Proof a city Prius is possible.

Could cheap gas and weak economy kill hybrids?

Insight's Paris debut stifled by auto sales decline

Auto sales are crashing. Dealers are closing their doors. Consumers can't finance a new vehicle without perfect credit or a big wad of cash. Gas prices are still high, but falling.

Hybrid cars are still moving, but supply is limited. But what happens mid-next year when supplies of hybrids increase drastically?

Finish: Hybrid killers: Cheaper gas, tighter credit and a weaker economy

Can green jobs power a new America?

Can it power America's 'new' economy

According to a study released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, by 2038 America could create 4.2 million new green jobs if American makes a bold commitment to green power, such as solar, wind, and biofuels.

Others, such as Barack Obama claim we could create 5 million new green jobs in just 10 years if we committed to green technology to power our economy.

While the later is probably just political hype to be expected in an election year, it does demonstrate the potential of the alternative energy sector.

Can America commit to the future and embrace alternative energy, even if it means some extra taxes and costs up front?

Can the Chevy Volt brighten GM's image?

The Volt made a recent publicity stop at NASCAR

For many Americans, the Chevy Volt has become the savior of the US auto industry. A made in America foreign oil dependency freedom fighter. And, one day, it might just be that, but not any time soon.

In the interim, however, can it change the perception of GM and its ability to build quality automobiles?

Finish: Chevy Volt: Can it change perception of GM?

Chrysler's EVs as developed as Chevy Volt?

A Dodge plug-in concept at NAIAS 2007

Has Chrysler killed Chevy Volt hype?

Since the Volt debut in 2007, GM has reiterated over and over how they were accomplishing something almost inconceivable. Concept to reality in little more than 3 years. And, not just your standard concept. A range extended electric vehicle.

Yet, all the while, Chrysler has been quietly keeping pace.

Finish: Chrysler's EVs as developed as Chevy Volt?

Citroen electrifies Paris

Almost dorky - I kind of like it

The chances of ever seeing the Cirtoen Cactus electric vehicle here in America are probably about as good as finding a wild cactus in Antarctica. Still, it's pretty cool and just one of a number of Citroen concepts shown at the Paris Motor Show today.